The Royal Polaris and Accurate returned to San Diego February 24 with a great catch of yellowfin tuna and wahoo.

This trip was an Accurate Open Charter carrying 23 anglers including Accurate’s Jack Nilsen. The trip was a “fly down - fly back” arrangement with an option to ride the boat to and from San Diego.

Captain Rose immediately headed for the Hurricane Bank and we spent the entire time at the Hurricane fishing for yellowfin tuna and wahoo. The kite fishing method was by far the most effective for yellowfin. Rose is a master at keeping the kite rotation moving efficiently. Skipper Rose explained to us all how critical it would be to be geared up and immediately ready for an anglers kite turn. We were able to get four to eight kite turns per day. This is how kite fishing produces a catch. Everyone followed Roy Rose’s preparation instructions, which resulted in productive, enjoyable kite fishing.

Accurate brought 50 reels matched to Calstar and Seeker rods. The reels were loaded with Izorline or Line One Spectra. All the anglers had to do was add a top shot of choice and use the gear provided free of charge by Accurate.

Accurate provides permanent kite fishing reels for the Royal Polaris, ATD 80 “Tractors” and ATD 50W sizes. The Accurate Kite Reels really got a workout on this tip, as most of the big yellowfin were hooked on the kite with flying fish as bait.

Accurate provided Daily Derby prizes. Accurate Reels, WFO Reel Carriers, Accurate Piranah Pliers, Line One Spectra, and more were given. There were also prizes such as Accurate Apparel, and Coast Flash Lights. All anglers and crew received Accurate t-shirts.

Notable anglers on the trip were Accurate Pro-Staffers, Stas Vellonakis, Dean Yoshizumi, and Gail Johnson. Accurate is fortunate to have the support of some of the finest anglers anywhere as part of our Pro-Staff. Francois Mangeot traveled all the way from Paris France to join us on this trip. Francois is an excellent fisherman and a pleasure to have on our Accurate Charter.

We also had two lady anglers join us on this tip. Gayle Johnson and Susan Langdale both had great trips. Each boated several fish approaching the 200-pound mark. Accurate really enjoys and encourages the ladies to join us on our trips.

Accurate will sponsor this trip again in February of 2008. Next year’s trip is scheduled for a ride down, fly back format. Please contact the Royal Polaris office for trip details and booking. The phone number is 619 226-8030.

(Thanks to Jack Nilsen for providing this first-person report.)

Ken’s Custom Reels

Sam Patella docked American Angler at Point Loma Sportfishing after a 16-day trip to the Hurricane Bank. Owner Ken Corwin of Ken’s Custom Reels in Oceanside was the chartermaster. He not only took third place in the jackpot but was responsible for the a 50.2-pound Cedros Island yellowtail.

“It was a decent trip,” said skipper Patella. “We had to work for our fish.

"The weather was tough; we only had two really nice days. They bit pretty good then, though.”

Dale Puett of Oceanside won first place for a 185-pound tuna. He said he used a sardine on a 6/0 ringed Super Mutu hook tied to 130-pound Soft Steel Ultra line and 130-pound Izorline Spectra backing on a Penn 20 T reel modified by Cal Sheets and a Seeker TS 59 XXXH rod.

“It took about 25 minutes,” remarked Dale. “He went down right way, and then he came up and ran. In the end I brought him up at the bow at the edge of the deckhouse.”